Counter display for flashlights and batteries



Aug. 18, 1953 J, c. CALHOUN EI'AL 2,649,348

COUNTER DISPLAY FOR FLASHLIGHTS AND BATTERIES Filed Nov. 18, 1948 4 Sheets$heet 1 INVENTORS JAMES c. CALHOUN- WILBUR L.DAVID$0N 2; BY KARL .ZHAN$N 22 ATTORNEYS Aug. 18, 1953 J. c. CALHOUN ET AL 2,649,348

COUNTER DISPLAY FOR FLASHLIGHTS AND BATTERIES Filed Nov. 18, 148

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS JAMES c. CALHOUN WILBUR L.DAVID$0N BY KARL JFHANSEN WWW, Mm

ATTORNEYS Aug. 18, 1953 J. c. CALHOUN ETAL COUNTER DISPLAY FOR FLASHLIGHTS AND BATTERIES Filed Nov. 18, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS JAMES C. CALHOUN WILBUR L.DAV/DSON BY KAR. J. HANSEN WWW ATTORNEYS Aug. 18, 1953 Filed NOV. 18, 1948 J. C- CALHOUN ETAL COUNTER DISPLAY FOR FLASHLIGHTS AND BATTERIES 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Z/ B \K 59 Z J59 fig'bi 40 24 40 I $2 I l I I 46 4! 3 6 J0 J0 I I I I I I I I I (.Y I I I I I 1/ I I I I 1/ I I I I I I -'-3/ I I w 12 m. I I v a). I Jg/Z if flgjj. 149.12,?

I I INVENTORS E 3 JAMES c. CALHOUN WILBUR L.DA vwso/v Y KARL J7 HANSEN MW ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 18, 1953 UNITED STA? 'iiENT QFFICE COUNTER DISPLAY FOR FLASHLIGHTS AND BATTERIES of Delaware Application November 18, 1948, Serial No. 60,762

1 Claim.

The invention relates to advertising or merchandising displays, and more particularly to a display stand for merchandising flashlights and batteries.

According to a preferred form of the invention, the display comprises a box-like structure which may be conveniently made from blanks of paperboard. The stand comprises a relatively low front wall above which are the battery-dispensing openings; above these is a lower, inclined wall forming a back rest for the flashlights. The lower inclined wall intersects a sloping shelf having a shelf extension provided with notches or openings for holding the flashlights. Above the shelf is a second inclined wall, forming a second back rest for an additional row of flashlights. At the top of the second inclined wall is a second sloping shelf having a shelf extension provided with a second row of flashlight-receiving openings. Above the second shelf is a billboard for advertising matter. The several inclined walls and shelves are supported by side walls which connect with a back wall. The front wall and back wall have openings associated with a bottom wall extending all the way from the front to the back. This bottom wall is provided with a series of partitions which form the several dispensing chutes for the batteries.

The invention also consists in certain new and original features and combinations hereinafter set forth and claimed.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claim appended hereto, the invention itself, as to its objects and ad- 57 vantages, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which:

Fig. l is a perspective of the new flashlight and battery display stand; I

Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section through the display stand;

Fig. 3 is a transverse section through the battery chutes, taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section through the display stand, corresponding to Fig. 2, but illustrating how the various parts thereof are collapsed and folded so as to ship the stand flat, in folded condition;

Fig. 5 is a plan section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2, illustrating the delivery chutes;

Fig. 6 is a section taken on the line 6.--6 of Fig. ,2, giving a top view of one of the shelves;

Fig. 7 is a detail perspective, illustrating a tongue and slot construction;

Figs. 8 to 12 are views of the blanks, permanently secured together to form the assembled stand; and

Fig. 13 is a view of a blank, added after the stand is set up, to raise the bottom of one of the battery chutes holding smaller size batteries.

In the following description and in the claim, various details will be identified by specific names for convenience, but they are intended to be as generic in their application as the art will permit.

Like reference characters denote like parts in the several figures of the drawings.

In the drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification, certain specific disclosure of the invention is made for purposes of explanation, but it will be understood that the details may be modified in various respects without departure from the broad aspect of the invention. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and 5, in the form shown the display stand is made up of cardboard suitably scored and out to form a folded box-like structure. The structure will first be described in its set up position and in its functional aspects, after which the cardboard blanks and method of assembly and setting up will be described.

The display stand comprises a low front wall H] above which are the battery holding and dispensing chutes ll; these have dispensing openingS at the front of the stand and feeding or charge openings at the back of the stand. Above the chutes is a lower inclined back rest 2 for the flashlights, at the upper part of which is a sloping shelf I3 terminating in an extension M. Extension M has a series of flashlight-holding notches I5. Above the shelf I3 is an upper inclined back rest 16, at the upper end of which is an upper sloping shelf I 7 having an extension is. The extension I 8 has a series of flashlight-holding notches l9. Above the upper shelf is a billboard or placard 20 which may carry a suitable display or advertising.

The notches l5 and H? are circular (see Fig. 6) with open fronts. It will be noted also that the upper and lower back rests are of different height to accommodate different length flashlights. They are also disposed at different angles to present a more attractive appearance to the customer.

The stand also comprises a back wall having an upper section 2| and a lower section 22 between which are the charge openings for putting batteries into the stand. The stand also comprises side walls 23, 24 and 25, 26; these side wall sections are connected by score lines indicated by 58.

The stand also comprises a bottom wall 30 in-- tegrally connected at its front end with an easer wall 3! which in turn is integrally connected to the low front wall H}. The bottom wall 39 extends over and rests on an out-turned flange member M at the back. Secured to the bottom wall 39 are reinforcing members each of which comprises a panel 33 to which are secured par tition members 32. These strengthening members stiffen the bottom wall 30 and also provide partitions dividing the stand into the several holding and dispensing chutes H for the several flashlight batteries 21.

The several parts above described are connected together by adhesive, by metal fasteners and by tongues and slot arrangements; these will be described more in detail hereinafter in connection with the description of the blanks, the assembly thereof and the set-up of the boX.

In use, the stand will be arranged on the flashlight merchants counter. Flashlights of different lengths and styles will be arranged in the several recesses i and i9 resting against the upper and lower back rests, as indicated by 34 in Fig. 2, for example. The flashlights will be inserted from the top with the switch members 35 to the front, as indicated in Fig. 2. If desired, after inserting the flashlights to the position shown in Fig. 2, they may be rotated about their axes to bring the switch projections 35 under the shelf extensions l4 and I3. Such arrangement prevents direct removal of the flashlight by lifting. Rather, the flashlight must be rotated to bring the switch members 35 to the open front before lifting out of the holding recesses; this discourages pilfering.

The flashlight batteries will be inserted in their several chutes from the rear where they roll down into position against the easer wall 3|, as indicated in Fig. 2. If desired, a special insert may be placed in one or more of the chutes to provide an elevated bottom (see 55 in Fig. 3) for smaller diameter batteries 28.

The batteries are dispensed merely by removing from the front openings. The spacing of inclined back rest l2 above and backwardly from front wall I!) provides convenient access to the batteries and the front easer wall 3| facilitates lifting of the batteries out of the chutes, one by one.

It will be understood that the stand may be made of any suitable material. In practice, paperboard or cardboard is convenient because of relatively small cost, convenience in shipping fiat, ease in assembly, ease in setting up, and ability to take printed advertising matter. Figs. 8 to 13 show paperboard blanks A, B, C, D and E, from which the stand is made. Here continuous lines denote cuts and shade lines denote scores. For convenience, to denote the several panels and other parts in the blanks, the same reference characters are used as in the corresponding parts of the set up structure formed thereby.

Blank A in general forms the inclined flashlight supports l2, IS, the shelves I3, ll, extensions l4, l8 and billboard 29. It will be noted that the blank also has interlocking angular slots 36 and 3'! and also edge slits 3B for connecting with other parts of the stand.

Blank B forms in general the back 2!, 22 and sides 23, 24 and 25, 26 of the stand. In addition, it will be noted that the blank has tongues 39, 4D and 4| at the inclined top edges thereof; also side tabs 42; also bottom flanges or flaps 45 and 46; also a top connecting flap 43 and intermediate strengthening flap 44. It will be noted too that the lower back section has tongues 4'! and that the upper back section has notches 48.

Blank C forms in general the bottom 30, 3] of the dispensing chutes and front wall H]. In addition to the main parts, it has connecting slots 50, side reinforcing flaps 5i and a front connecting flap 52.

Blanks D form the reinforcing members 33 and partitions 32 of the several chutes. It will be noted that these blanks have clearance slots 53 and interlocking slots 54; also interlocking notches 55.

Blank E forms the separate member for raising the level of a chute. It comprises the raised bottom portion 56 with side legs 51.

The blanks A, B, C' and D may be assembled in the factory where they are made. To assist in understanding the assembly, small letters at, y and v are used to indicate areas, bounded by long-dash lines, where the several blanks are connected. Blank A is first folded at the score lines 64 and 55 to form the double thickness shelf extensions 14 and I3 and the two thicknesses are fastened by metal staples at 56 and 61.

Blank A is connected to blank B by adhesively securing top flap 43 of B to area a: on billboard panel 28 of blank A. Blank C is secured to blank B by first folding the side walls 23, 24 and 25, 25 of blank B with respect to the back wall 2!, 22 and then fastening the end tabs 42 to the areas 1; of front wall ll] of blank C by metal staples 58. Blanks D are secured to blank C by adhesive applied between the panels 33 of D and the areas denoted by 1/ on C.

The above arrangement provides a structure which, in partially set up position, may take an appearance somewhat as illustrated in Fig. 4. It will be noted that the overall assembly, as shown in Fig. 4, comprises a central tubular body (formed by front wall iii, side walls 23, 24 and 25, 26 and back Walls 2|, 22), the bottom wall assembly at the left (bottom wall 3% and connected members) and the shelf and back rest assembly at the top.

It will be understood that these parts may be folded flat by folding down the several bottom flanges 45, 46 and 52 and pressing in the side walls 23, 24 and 25, 26 at the score lines 58 to collapse the central tubular body. This enables the bottom assembly and the shelf and back rest assembly to be folded flat against the collapsed body. The partition panels 32 and reinforcing flaps 5i will, of course, be first folded flat against the bottom wall 30. The parts making up the shelf and back rest assembly may be further folded at score lines 59, 69, 6! and 62.

In practice, the assembled stand will be shipped (without first setting up), in collapsed. flat condition to the flashlight merchant. The merchant will set up the stand as follows. The bottom assembly and shelf and back rest assembly will first be folded out from the tubular body, somewhat into the position shown in Fig. 4. The central tubular body section will then be opened and the bottom front flap 52, bottom back flap 45 and bottom side flaps 45 folded up into the position shown in Fig. 4. Also reinforcing intermediate back flap 44 will be folded out.

The strengthening end flaps 51 of the bottom assembly will then be folded down and the partitions 32 folded up as shown in Fig. 4. The entire bottom assembly will then be folded down into the tubular box section, as indicated by arrows Hi and E5, to enable the back tabs 4's to enter corresponding slots 59 in the bottom wall 39. The partition members 32 may be folded down sufficiently to get them through the back opening. When the partition members are folded up, the back slots 55 are eased over the cam surfaces 72 and snapped into the back slots 58 (see also arrow it in Fig. 3); this provides an interlock to hold the partitions upright and to hold the bottom slots 59 down over the back tabs 41.

The shelf and back rest assembly may then be folded down in the direction of the arrow iii in Fig. 4. Side tabs 39 and 49 will be inserted through angular slots 36 and 3? respectively in the top back rest is and lower shelf I3. At the same time, lower interlocking slots 38 will be interlocked with slots 4! on the end walls and with slots 54 on the partitions 32.

It will be noted that the side tabs 39 and 49 must be bent slightly to insert them in angular slots 39 and 3'1. After bent tabs 39 and 49 are inserted, they spring back to plane condition with the ends 13 overlying the solid wall adjacent the slots (see Figs. 1, 6 and 7). This prevents the shelf and back rest assembly from springing up and holds the interlocked slots 54, 38 and 5!, 38 in position.

The separate blank E may then be put into position by first bending legs 5'! down and sliding the member into the center chute, for example. This raises the level of the bottom of this chute to take batteries of smaller diameter (see Fig. 3).

The stand is now ready for use in the manner described above.

Thus a battery and flashlight display stand has been provided which is compact, occupying a minimum of space on the merchants counter. It has the necessary rigidity and structural strength to support the several flashlights and a considerable number of batteries. The partitions, forming the several dispensing chutes, act as girders for strengthening the bottom wall to support the considerable weight of the batteries. The inclined dispensing chute automatically feeds the batteries toward the front of the stand where the easer wall facilitates removal of the batteries. The open back provides a convenient method of refilling the several chutes with additional batteries.

The double thickness of material strengthens the shelf extensions so as to efficiently support the weight of the several flashlights. The lower back rest is inclined more than the upper back rest to support the flashlights in such diiferent inclined positions as to most likely attract the attention of the customer. The flashlightreceiving notches provide a pilfer-proof construction. In addition, the sloping shelves, together with the inclined back rests, are so ar- 6 ranged as to handle different flashlight styles and sizes.

Also, the stand is so constructed as to be easy to set up, and easy to take down for ship-ping flat. The battery chutes are at the bottom of the display stand where they are conveniently accessible. The batteries are mounted at low position Where they can be readily supported by the relatively Weak material of the stand. At the same time, the relatively great weight of the batteries at the bottom of the stand makes for an overall low center of gravity; it stabilizes the entire stand and prevents accidental upsetting.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed herein, and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

In a merchandising cabinet, a body comprising side walls, back wall and front wall, said back wall having a charge opening, said front wall having a dispensing opening, a bottom wall sloping forwardly and downwardly from the lower edge of said charge opening and meeting with a forwardly and upwardly sloping easer wall connected to the lower edge of said dispensing opening, reinforcing members, each comprising a central panel connected to said bottom wall, said panels having upstanding side panels forming partitions and dividing the space over said bottom wall into chutes, the upper edge of said dispensing opening bein displaced rearwardly of its lower edge, said partitions being secured to the upper edges of said dispensing and charge openings, the forward edges of said partitions and the portion of said front wall above said dispensing opening being inclined upwardly and backwardly.

JAMES C. CALHOUN. W. L. DAVIDSON. KARL J. HANSEN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 79,023 Steward June 16, 1868 533,963 Northcutt Feb. 12, 1885 1,104,004 Rathbone July 21, 1914 1,255,759 Kibby Feb. 5, 1918 1,687,138 Myers Oct. 9, 1928 1,711,329 Short Apr. 30, 1929 1,823,729 De Bussey Sept. 15, 1931 1,987,439 Froehlig Jan. 8, 1935 2,129,122 Follett Sept. 6, 1938 2,248,916 Opper July 8, 1941 2,443,871 Shield June 22, 1947 2,460,230 Makrianes Jan. 25, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 501,602 Great Britain Mar. 1, 1939 

